South Galveston News

With much of the world responding to COVID-19 and the spread of the virus, Galveston County is joining in with stay-at-home orders for residents. 

According to Click 2 Houston, Galveston County has issued a stay-at-home order effective through April 3.

While residents will be able to leave their homes for essentials — work, doctors’ visits, grocery shopping, and pick-up from restaurants — all other activities out of the home are forbidden for this time.

Individuals who choose to break the rules of the quarantine are subject for a $1,000 fine. 

According to Click 2 Houston, the orders include the following information about leaving the home: 

***All individuals living within Galveston County are to remain at their place of residence unless engaging in essential activities, providing essential governmental functions, or operating essential businesses. 

***All businesses, except essential businesses, should cease all activities at facilities located within Galveston County.

***All public or private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single house or living unit are prohibited.

***Restaurants may only provide take-out, delivery or drive-through services as allowed by law.

***Religious and worship services may only be provided by video and teleconferencing while limiting in-person staff to 10 people or less.

***All elective medical, surgical and dental procedures are prohibited anywhere in Galveston County.

***If someone tests positive for coronavirus, the whole household has to quarantine for 14 days.

***Nursing homes, retirement communities and long-term care facilities are to prohibit non-essential visitors.

Activities that are still allowed are those that are essential to work or the provision of products or services that are essential. Individuals are still allowed to take part in outdoor activities, though the social distancing rule of maintaining 6 feet of separation remains. Caring for pets in another household — such as dog walking or feeding a neighbor’s pet — is still allowed. 

Additionally, tolls are being waived at the San Luis Pass toll booth.